HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-25 Director's Report and Appendix1
DIRECTOR’S QUARTERLY INFORMATIONAL REPORT
TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
April 25, 2023
Agenda item VII
1. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
1. County Council (Since last report posted on 1/11/23)
ITEM DESCRIPTION CURRENT STATUS
Completed items
Res. 35-23 Authorizes payment of funds for a multi-
year lease of one sewer cleaning truck
1/25: Approved by Council
Res. 44-23 Authorizes agreement with DOH to
receive $49,600 in federally derived
funds to complete a Wastewater Service
Area Expansion Feasibility Study
2/7: Positive recommendation
FC 2/22: Approved by Council
Res. 47-23 Authorizes lease agreement for a multi-
year lease of six semi-tractors for SWD
2/7: Positive recommendation
FC
2/22: Approved by Council
Res. 48-23 Authorizes agreement for a multi-year
lease of four walking floor trailers for
SWD
2/7: Positive recommendation
FC
2/22: Approved by Council
Res. 49-23 Authorizes lease agreement for a multi-
year lease of four compacting refuse
trailers for SWD
2/7: Positive recommendation
FC
2/22: Approved by Council
Bill 20 Amends Operating Budget to receive
$49,600 in federally derived funds to
complete a Wastewater Service Area
Expansion Feasibility Study
2/7: Positive recommendation
FC
2/22, 3/8: Approved by Council
Ord. 23-30
Bill 21 Authorizes issuance of G.O. bonds: $100
million for Hilo WWTP and other
facilities; $2 million for sewer pipe
replacement on Kilauea and Keawe
Streets in Hilo
2/7: Positive recommendation
FC
2/22, 3/8: Approved by Council
Ord. 23-31
Comm. 94 Presents the findings of the Cesspool
Conversion Working Group
2/21: Presented to CRCOC
Comm. 117 Nominates Laura Acasio, Council District
2, to EMC for a term ending 12/31/25
3/7: Pos. recommendation
GOEAC
3/22: Confirmed
Res. 73-23 Reaffirms COH’s commitment to divert
waste sustainably
3/8: Approved by Council
Res. 75-23 Agreement with State DHS for Low-
Income Home Water Assistance Program
3/21: Positive recommendation
FC
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4/5: Approved by Council
Active items
Bill 34 Amends Ord. No. 22-125, separates Hilo
WWTP project into two phases
3/21: Positive rec. FC
4/5, 4/19: Approved by Council
Bill 35 Amends Op. Budget, appropriates
$22,709 to Beverage Container Deposit
Program Acct
3/21: Positive rec. FC
4/5, 4/19: Approved by Council
Bill 30 & 31 Operating and Capital budgets for FY 23-
24
4/13: Presentation to FC
Res. 119-23 Authorizes agreement for a multi-year
lease of a Super Duty 4x4 truck with
utility cabinets, including auto crane, for
SWD to perform repair/maint on heavy
equipment
4/18: Positive recommendation
FC
Res. 120-23 Authorizes agreement for a multi-year
lease of a Super Duty 4x4 truck with
utility cabinets, including auto crane, for
WWD to perform repair/maint on
pumps and WWTPs
4/18: Positive recommendation
FC
Future items
Comm. 259 Nominates Dot Norris, Council District 8,
to EMC for a term ending 12/31/27
5/2: GOEAC
Bill __ Revisions to Chapter 21, Sewer Code Under development in
Wastewater Division prior to
submittal to Council
2. Legislature
The 2023 regular session of the Legislature is winding down and will adjourn sine die on May 4.
The following bills remain active as of April 19 and are facing conference committee hearings to
reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions, followed by a final vote of
approval in each legislative chamber, and then transmittal to the Governor:
Bill No. Current description
HB 192
HD2 SD1
Prohibits the sale of certain fluorescent lamps as a new manufactured product,
with certain exemptions. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD1)
SB 504
SD1 HD3
Prohibits the manufacture, sale, offer for sale, distribution for sale, and
distribution for use of any food packaging, food service ware, cosmetic, or
personal care product that contains intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances, with certain exceptions. Effective 6/30/3000. (HD3)
HB 1396
HD2 SD2
Part I: Establishes and appropriates funds for a county cesspool pilot program in
the Department of Health to work with each county to identify a priority area to
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expand the county sewage system or other centralized treatment system to
connect individual properties in the priority area and reduce or eliminate
cesspools in the identified area.
Part II: Creates a cesspool conversion section in the Department of Health to
facilitate the conversion of cesspools within the State. Establishes and
appropriates funds for positions.
Part III: Requires the Department of Health to retain qualified consultants to
identify necessary public outreach and education resources and tools, and
develop a comprehensive public outreach strategy and educate homeowners
regarding the State's cesspool upgrade, conversion, and connection
requirements and deadlines.
Part IV: Establishes, for all taxable years after December 31, 2023, an income tax
credit for the cost of upgrading or converting a qualified cesspool to a Director
of Health-approved wastewater system or connecting to a sewerage system.
Requires that, effective 11/1/23, certain information regarding cesspools on real
property be included in seller mandatory disclosures for real property
transactions. Effective 6/30/3000. (SD2)
SB 966
HD1
Subjects to forfeiture any vehicle used in the commission of felony disposal of
solid waste or petty misdemeanor disposal of solid waste. Effective 6/30/3000.
(HD1)
The following concurrent resolutions remain active as of April 19:
SCR 64
SD1
REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH'S SOLID WASTE SECTION TO
DEVELOP A PLAN OF INITIATIVES FOR IMPROVED WASTE DIVERSION BY
WORKING WITH THE COUNTIES TO ADDRESS EACH COUNTY'S UNIQUE NEEDS
ACCORDING TO ITS GEOGRAPHY, POPULATION, AND INDUSTRY MAKE-UP.
SCR 135 REQUESTING THE LEGISLATURE TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP WITH
REPRESENTATION FROM ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP A
PROGRAM TO PHASE OUT THE USE OF PERFLUOROALKYL AND
POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS) IN THE STATE.
HCR 208
HD1
REQUESTING EACH COUNTY TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE INTEGRATED
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND FINANCIAL STRATEGY TO UPGRADE,
CONVERT, OR CONNECT CESSPOOLS LOCATED WITHIN ITS RESPECTIVE
JURISDICTION BY 2050.
HCR 102
HD1
REQUESTING THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
CENTER TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON NEW TECHNOLOGIES RELATED
TO CESSPOOL WATER REMEDIATION, WHICH MAY INCLUDE ORGANIC
BIODEGRADABLE WATER CLARIFIERS.
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2.BUDGET
See appendix for presentation delivered to Special Meeting of the Finance Committee of the
Hawaii County Council on April 13, 2023
3.SOLID WASTE DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES
RELOAD FACILITY UPDATE (new data shaded in gray)
WHSL MONTHLY LANDFILL TONNAGES
Month/Year
Total Tons Taken
to Sort Station
Apr 2022 4,066.66
May 2022 4,316.79
Jun 2022 4,141.05
Jul 2022 4,109.14
Aug 2022 4,041.56
Sep 2022 3,721.44
Oct 2022 4,091.66
Nov 2022 4,131.77
Dec 2022 4,362.12
Jan 2023 4,221.43
Feb 2023 3,827.83
Mar 2023 4,173.38
Totals 49,204.83
Apr 2022 17,020.72
May 2022 16,947.70
Jun 2022 16,821.88
Jul 2022 17,331.84
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
April May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar
WHSL tonnage
WHSL tonnage
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MONTHLY TRANSFER STATION TONNAGES
The above table includes data on the waste disposed in the landfill (not the greenwaste or
recycling data).
1. Recycling and Landfill Diversion updates
Outreach and Education
•“We Can Do It” outreach campaign; To educate about Reduce, Reuse and Recycling,
emphasis placed on Reduce. How Reducing waste helps address climate change will
encourage people to participate. Reinforce proper recycling procedures at Transfer
Stations. Campaign started on Monday April 17, 2023; radio, tv, newspapers/
magazines, internet, banners for events.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
•All completed and very successful. Now securing locations for the next round of HHW
events starting in August.
E-Waste Collection
Aug 2022 17,852.37
Sep 2022 16,643.39
Oct 2022 16,229.23
Nov 2022 17,259.61
Dec 2022 17,535.74
Jan 2023 17,186.60
Feb 2023 15,849.21
Mar 2023 18,217.83
Totals 204,896.12
Month/Year EHRSS WHSL
Apr 2022 3,158.53 8,183.80
May 2022 3,382.30 8,416.06
Jun 2022 3,232.58 7,559.68
Jul 2022 3,170.79 8,631.04
Aug 2022 3,072.41 8,320.43
Sep 2022 2,837.48 7,769.79
Oct 2022 3,183.58 3,481.96
Nov 2022 3,184.00 3,619.62
Dec 2022 3,451.66 3,775.82
Jan 2023 3,345.50 3,840.45
Feb 2023 2,975.84 3,350.62
March 2023 3,239.10 3,939.63
Totals 38,233.77 70,888.90
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•State mandated manufacturer-sponsored program started in January 2023. Permanent
Kona monthly collection site opened in March.
EPA, Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program
•Award Date Announcement – April or May 2023.
•Total Grant Budget Requested: $1.5 million.
•Purpose: design and implementation of a city-scale reusable foodware system in Hilo. In
such a system, restaurants are supplied with reusable foodware for a low per-use fee,
comparable to what they currently pay for disposables. Customers receive food and
drinks in reusables at no net cost to them, then they drop them in one of many
conveniently located bins when they’re done. Service providers collect, clean & inspect
the items before restocking them.
2. East side landfill options being explored by EMC
(To be discussed orally)
3.Life Cycle Analysis study
The Life Cycle Analysis study has been completed and may be viewed at:
https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/DocView.aspx?dbid=1&id=122724
4.Trailer study
The trailer study has been completed and may be viewed at:
https://records.hawaiicounty.gov/weblink/DocView.aspx?dbid=1&id=122722
Solid Waste Division is reviewing the recommended conditions that 1) No reversing of trailers,
only parallel will be allowed; and 2) fulltime personnel for traffic control must be employed for
trailers to be allowed at Glenwood, Hilo, Honoka‘a, Kea‘au, Kealakehe, Ocean View, Pāhoa,
Volcano, Waimea, and eventually Wai‘ōhinu.
5.Administrative rule proposal update
The Director, having fully considered all public testimony, has approved the changes and the
rules are being circulated for signatures.
Duly noticed hearings on proposed changes to the administrative rules of practice and
procedure for DEM were held on April 10 in Hilo and April 11 in Kona. At the April 10 hearing,
approximately 10 people attended in person and four on Zoom. At the April 11 hearing, one
person who had previously appeared in person in Hilo attended by Zoom.
The amendments will take effect 10 days after a copy is filed with the Office of the County
Clerk, projected in early May. However, the increased tipping fees will not take effect until July
1.
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4.WASTEWATER DIVISION PROJECTS AND UPDATES.
1.Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu AOC
The Preliminary Engineering Report for Pāhala was submitted in a timely manner to the
Environmental Protection Agency on April 19, 2023, and will be shared with the public upon
approval by EPA. The PER for Nā‘ālehu remains in development.
The next public meeting on the closure of the large capacity cesspools is tentatively scheduled
for August 24 in Naalehu, although other public meetings may be called prior to this meeting.
DEM appreciates those who have attended previous meetings and encourages all residents
who have received a letter regarding these regularly scheduled meetings to attend and to share
information with their neighbors, family, and friends.
2.West Hawai‘i wastewater projects
(To be discussed orally)
3. Hilo WWTP upgrades
(To be discussed orally)
4.Wastewater plans
(The requested information is unavailable in written form by the deadline to publish this report)
5.INFORMATION REQUESTS FROM COMMISSIONERS
1. Further information on a countywide sewer district concept for managing public
and private facilities. (Adams)
2. How are new rules and proposals communicated to potentially affected parties?
(Adams)
Department of Environmental Management FY 23-24 Budget and ProgramsPresentation to the Special Finance Committee meeting of the Hawai‘i County Council April 13, 2023Our Mission•To maintain a clean, healthy island environment•And promote stewardship and sustainability•By managing•Wastewater and solid waste services,•Waste reduction and resource recovery•In a comprehensive, responsive, safe and efficient manner.APPENDIX
DEM organizational structure•Administration & Business Services (General Fund and grant funding)•Director, Deputy, Secretary, Planner, Safety Coordinator, PIO, Accounting, HR, Payroll•The administrative expenses are reflected in the General Fund but are funded by charges tothe three special funds.•Solid Waste Division (Solid Waste Fund and Vehicle Disposal Fund)•SWD administration, operations, compliance, design, construction, recycling and landfilldiversion, Derelict and Abandoned Vehicle Program•Tipping fees and the general fund cover staff and operations of the Solid Waste Division,except DAV•Vehicle disposal fees, towing charges, storage fees, and auctions fund staff and expenses ofthe DAV program (does not rely on the General Fund)•Wastewater Division (Sewer Fund)•WWD administration, engineering, compliance, construction, wastewater collection,wastewater treatment•Sewer fees and the general fund cover staff and operations of the Wastewater DivisionDEM functions•Accept 200,000 tons per year of solid waste for disposal in the WestHawai‘i Sanitary Landfill at one of 21 conveniently located SWDfacilities•Accept 5.3 million gallons of wastewater for treatment per day•Clean 20 miles of sewer lines per year•Video inspect 20 miles of sewer lines per year•Remove 2,000-3,000 abandoned and derelict vehicles per year•Accept 2,375 tons of cardboard for recycling per year•Accept 1,280 tons of non HI-5 glass for recycling per year•Accept 36,750 tons of greenwaste to convert into mulch per year•Also: HI-5 redemption centers, Reuse Centers, appliance drop offsites, household hazardous waste collection events
8.4% of budget goes to sanitation and waste removal24.1%10.9%9.8%9.4%9.3%8.8%8.4%8.1%7.2%3.9%FY 23-24 Budget by categoryPublic safetyPension/retirementGeneral governmentHighways & streetsMiscellaneousHealth fundSanitation/waste removalHealth, education, welfareDebt serviceCulture & recreationAllocation of DEM’s three special funds63.7%29.6%6.7%FY 23-24 Environmental Management special fundsSolid Waste Fund $47.5MSewer Fund $22.1MVehicle Disposal Fund $4.99MSolid WasteSewer
DEM Admin budget: $1,889,75290%10%0%ExpendituresSalaries and wagesOther current expensesOffice & computer equipment•Salaries and wages: $1,694,567•OCE: $191,535•Equipment: $3,650•Charged to the special fundsDEM AdministrationDEM AdministrationDirector, Deputy, Planner, Safety, SecretaryBusiness Services Billing/HR/PayrollSolid Waste Division & DAVWastewater DivisionDerelict/Abandoned VehiclesTS to landfill hauling21 transfer stationsW. HI Sanitary LandfillRecycling, HIH-HI-5, Reuse centersEnv Management Commission7 wastewater treatment plants119 miles of sewer mains16 pumping stationsClosure of large capacity Closure of large capacitycesspools in Pāhala & Nā‘ālehuGreenwastePolystyrene, Polystnonolystonon-yrene, tyystnn--mineral noonnmineralmmsunscreen, sunscreen, et cetera
Sewer Fund budget: $22,068,17970%18%11%1%RevenueSewer charges - $15.5MTransfer from Gen Fund - $3.9MFund balance previous year - $2.4MKaloko WWTP reimbursement - $193K0.68 percent of the General Fund subsidizes 18 percent of the Sewer Fund46%31%13%5%5%0%ExpendituresOperations & Maintenance - $10.1MSalary & Wages - $6.7MPensions & Contributions - $2.8MEquipment - $1.1MReplacement Reserve Account - $1.0MWorkers Comp - $105KWastewater Division – 6-month objectives•Issue Notice to Proceed (NTP) for Hilo WWTP Rehabilitation - Phase I•Complete Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) for Pua Sewage Pump Station (SPS)•PER for Kealakehe WWTP headworks, odor control and R-1 recycled water sand filter•Meet Administrative Order on Consent deadlines regarding closure of large capacity cesspools in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu•Secure EDA grant for North Kona SPS via federal cross cutters submittal•Procure consultant to develop Cesspool Conversion Master Plan•Recruit adequate staffing to meet operational needs•Work with academia to navigate creation of a wastewater master plan
Wastewater Division – 12-month objectives•Complete EA and design documents for Hilo WWTP Rehabilitation -Phase II•Finalize Pua SPS design in collaboration with HDOT-Airports•Complete bid document for Kealakehe WWTP headworks, odorcontrol and R-1 recycled water sand filter•Meet Administrative Order on Consent milestones regarding closureof large capacity cesspools in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu•Procure consultant for design of North Kona SPS•Cesspool Conversion Master Plan development and continue thepublic outreachWastewater Division – Long-term objectives•Complete Hilo WWTP Fac Plan and roadmap to sewer the Hilo communitywithin the sewer service area•Finalize Pua SPS Force Main bid document and issue NTP during Phase I ofHilo WWTP construction•Issue NTP for Kealakehe WWTP Headworks, Odor Control, and R-1 SandFilter Project to produce high-grade recycled water.•Close large capacity cesspools in Pāhala and Nā‘ālehu in full compliancewith Administrative Order on Consent deadlines•Complete construction of North Kona SPS•Create an easily accessible online data portal for public viewing of cesspoolconversion and sewer line connection requirements
Wastewater Division positions and vacanciesTotal Funded PositionsCurrent Vacancies9117 + 12 pending allocationDraft 1 includes no new positions; however, there is a need for additional staff to meet the increase in services.One-time Contracts•Wastewater Pretreatment: Consultant to help/advise on the development of the pretreatment program until the compliance sections are staffed with a manager.•Integrated wastewater management planThe following are new training contracts that are intended to teach staff safe, efficient, or consistent practices/use of universal language in their jobs. •National Association of Sewer Service Companies - Pipeline Assessment Certification Program•Safety Training•Instrumentation & Control Training
Wastewater grants being pursued•North Kona SPS - $19M – U.S. EDA•Puna wastewater - $2.25M for Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Facility Plan•Wailoa Sewer Pump Station - Pump flow matcher control system•$2.5M - Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) request-Replacement of pump flow matcher control system•Onekahakaha Sewer Pump Station Rehab•$7.8M - CDS request - Rehabilitation of dilapidated sewage pump station•Kolea Sewer Pump Station•$8.2M - CDS request - 50-year-old pump station needs to be replaced•Hilo WWTP – Building Resilience in Communities grant program•Application in processSolid Waste Fund budget: $47,545,54162%31%5%2%RevenueTransfer from General Fund - $29.5MLandfill fees - $14.8MFund Balance previous year -$2.3MK5.05 percent of the General Fund subsidizes 62 percent of the Solid Waste Fund31%22%17%16%9%2%1%2%ExpendituresWHSL Operations - $14.8MLandfills Ops & Equip - $10.5MLandfills S&W - $8.1MDiversion Programs - $7.4MPensions & Contribs - $4.2MWHSL salary & wages -$1.1MMisc. (Workers Comp, etc.) - $546KGrant-funded programs - $914KGreenwaste contract -$5.1MLandfill tonnage charges - $12.7M
Vehicle Disposal Fund budget: $4,985,00350%48%2%0%RevenueVehicle Disposal Fees - $2.5MFund Balance previous year - $2.4MStorage fees & Auctions - $83KTowing Fees - $18K79%4%11%4%2%0%ExpendituresOperations - $3.95MCap budget trans - $200KDebt service trans - $520KSalary & wages - $205KPensions & contrib - $107KWorkers Comp - $2KDAV objectives•Seek an increase in registration fees from the current $12 per year per vehicle - unchanged since 2003•Increase is needed to generate sufficient revenues to cover the projected increase in expenditures due to the expansion of the Vehicle Disposal Assistance Program and other cost increases. •Implement VDAP to assist with private towing and disposal•Fill vacancies within DAV program
DAV positions and vacanciesTotal Funded PositionsCurrent Vacancies42Draft 1 includes no new positions; however, there is a need for additional staff to meet the increase in services.Solid Waste Division – 6-month objectives•Complete construction and announce the reopening of the newly constructed Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station•Request resolution to authorize the purchase of budgeted equipment to replace equipment that has reached the end of its useful life•Issue a Request for Information to explore the possibility of waste diversion and recycling options pursuant to Resolution No. 73-23•Finalize site assessments that will allow trailers to return to certain transfer station sites.•Consultant’s recommends traffic control personnel at each of the seven potential sites; further discussion is recommended.
Solid Waste Division – 12-month objectives•Solicit a consultant to assess current Solid Waste Division operational plans and recommendations•Receive equipment ordered in FY 21-22 and assign to facilities •Complete the bid document for the reload facility in Hilo•Complete the design of the Laupāhoehoe TS retaining wall•Put out for bid the Derelict/Abandoned Vehicle (DAV) building in Hilo•Begin acquisition process for the Waiea TS•Create a long-term operational maintenance and monitoring plan for closed municipal solid waste landfills.Solid Waste Division – Beyond 12 months•Explore a reorganization of Recycling Section to emphasize maximizing waste diversion and recycling•Implement findings of operational study•Introduce policies to divert construction/demolition material from the landfill
Solid Waste Division positions and vacanciesTotal Funded PositionsCurrent Vacancies12611 + 7 pending allocationDraft 1 includes no new positions; however, there is a need for additional staff to meet the increase in services.Solid Waste grants being pursued•$3.7 million – Congressionally Directed Spending -Rehabilitation of East Hawaii Reload and Sort Station – Submitted to Sens. Schatz and Hirono•$74,000 - Solid Waste Management Grant (SWMG) Program – USDA Rural Development -Provide home composting units to communities located in rural areas where no green waste, mulch or composting services are provided and would have to drive to get to those services. Three applications submitted•$1.5 million - Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program–EPA –Design and implementation of a city-scale reusable foodware system in Hilo. In such a system, restaurants are supplied with reusable foodware for a low per-use fee, comparable to what they currently pay for disposables. Customers receive food and drinks in reusables at no net cost to them, then they drop them in one of many conveniently located bins when they’re done. Service providers collect, clean & inspect the items before restocking them. (DEM is also in contract review with a selected grant writer to assist with acquiring grants funds that are designed to implement the County of Hawai‘i’s 2019 Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan of upgrading and creating programs and infrastructure with climate change in mind)
CIP priority projects 2023-2024•Hilo WWTP upgrades•Pāhala/Nā‘ālehu Wastewater System•Kealakehe Wastewater Treatment Plant R-1 Upgrade•Pua SPS Renovation•Hale Hālāwai SPS Renovation & Force Main Replacement•Repair/Replacement of Wastewater Facilities•Kalaniana‘ole Collector Sewer Phase II•‘Āinakō‘Āina Nani Collector Sewer•‘ĀinakōInterceptor Sewer Phase 2•Rural Transfer Station Repairs and EnhancementsCIP priority projects – Status
Critical pathways to address for success•General obligation bonds•State Revolving Funds•Staffing shortage and reorganization•Equipment shortage and replacement•Strategies on how to fund studies versus actual construction projects.•10-year forecast•Finalize Master Schedule•Identify and track capital improvement projects•Preventative maintenance DEM Accomplishments FY 22-23: Info TechMicrosoft Project•Project Planning - Define the scope of the project, identify key milestones, and estimate the duration and costs of each task. Create a project schedule, allocate resources, and establish dependencies between tasks.•Resource Management - Manage and track the availability of resources, such as people, equipment, and materials. Ensure that you have the necessary resources to complete each task on time and within budget.•Risk Management - Identify and assess project risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate them. Track risks over time to ensure that they are being properly managed.•Collaboration- Collaborate in real-time, share project data, and communicate project status. Ensure everyone is working toward the same goals and can help identify issues and risks early on.•Reporting- Monitor project progress, identify issues, and communicate project status to stakeholders. Generate reports on project timelines, resource usage, task completion, and budget status.Website Upgrade to an Independent Subsite•AOC Compliance –The EPA requires DEM to make project information publicly available on its website, and to update it monthly. The independent subsite allows DEM to have a project section, where all project information will be maintained.•Improved brand identity- Establish a unique brand identity, to help the department better communicate its goals, mission, and accomplishments.•Greater control- More control over the design, content, and functionality of the website. Tailor online presence to the specific needs and preferences of the audience.•Enhanced functionality- Specialized functionality tailored to the needs of the department. •Increased engagement- Optimized for user engagement, making it easier for visitors to find relevant information, connect with the department, and engage with its content. •Improved analytics: More granular analytics and tracking of user behavior, to help the department better understand its audience and optimize its online presence for maximum impact.
DEM Accomplishments FY 22-23: Projects•Hilo Wastewater Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Phase 1 - construction documentcompleted and bid process started•Negotiated revised agreement to closure of large capacity cesspools in Pāhala andNā‘ālehu•Negotiated agreement to establish a pretreatment program•Complete construction of the reload scale facilities•Household hazardous waste and electronic waste collection events•Solid waste administrative rules amendments – under review•Studies completed for Life Cycle Analysis and trailer maneuvering at transfer stations•Condition assessment completed for Kea‘au Reuse Center•Puna, Pāhoa, and Puakō/South Kohala wastewater treatment feasibility study contractsexecuted•Contract executed for Kealakehe WWTP R-1 Sand Filter and site upgrades•Improved sewer main along Ali‘i Drive to prevent infiltration•Completed GIS mapping of county-wide sewer collection system and cesspools.MahaloHawaiizerowaste.org
APPENDIX: WASTEWATER SYSTEMS IN THE VICINITY OF KAHALU‘U BAY